Tag Archives: First Lady History

Ellen Wilson’s Great Sadness

Ellen Axson came from a family prone to severe melancholy. Ellen Axson: Family Caretaker Ellen Axson (1860-1914), was born in Georgia, just as the Civil War was beginning. From earliest childhood, she showed a decided talent for art, but family … Continue reading

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Bess Truman’s First Press Conference

Few First Ladies were more reluctant to be in the public eye than Bess Truman. Mrs. Truman becomes FLOTUS Late in the afternoon of April 12, 1945, Bess Truman (1885-1982) received a phone call from her husband. There was a … Continue reading

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The Death of Warren Harding

With the possible exception of John F. Kennedy, no president’s death generated more  speculation and controversies than that of Warren G. Harding. The President Dies On August 2, 1923, the country was stunned when the news came over the telegraph … Continue reading

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Grace Coolidge in the Kitchen

When Calvin Coolidge wanted to marry Miss Grace Goodhue, her parents were not happy. The Coolidge Proposal Some time after Calvin Coolidge began seeing the pretty Miss Goodhue, he took her to meet his family.  They liked her. Everybody did. … Continue reading

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William Howard Taft and the Bathtub(s)

William Howard Taft was a big baby who became a big boy who became a very big man. WHT: The Big Guy William Howard Taft (1857-1930) came from a very prominent Cincinnati, Ohio family. His father had served in Grant’s … Continue reading

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Mary Lincoln’s Big Sister: Elizabeth Edwards

Elizabeth Todd Edwards was the oldest of Mary Lincoln’s siblings. The Todd Family Robert and Eliza Todd of Lexington, KY had six children who lived to adulthood. Mary was the fourth. Eliza died when Mary was only seven; eighteen months … Continue reading

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Mary Lincoln’s Old Clothes

The close but unlikely friendship between Mary Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley would be permanently shattered by what Mrs. Lincoln would consider a gross betrayal. It was not intended as such. Mrs. Lincoln’s Debts When Mary Lincoln was First Lady, merchants … Continue reading

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Caroline Harrison: White House Artist

In the late 1880s, bustles were in fashion, and Caroline Harrison was the most “bustling” of all the First Ladies Mrs. Harrison: Domestic Diva Most women today will readily admit to disliking the drudgery of housework, to include cooking and … Continue reading

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Tom and Dolley: The Original Ben and Jerry

Ice cream has always been one of America’s favorite desserts. But was it Thomas Jefferson or Dolley Madison who deserves the credit? Many people believe that “Dolly Madison” ice cream is named for the First Lady because she invented ice … Continue reading

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Grace Coolidge: The Press Conference

  The Coolidge Presidency saw two important “entertainment” milestones: one very small, and one very large. The Small Milestone Calvin Coolidge (1872-1932) was the first president to receive a budget allowance for entertaining.   Previously, with few exceptions, all dinners, luncheons, … Continue reading

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